Yes. That is a coal mine that will burn for decades.I think that the gases would burn much faster or explode? Wouldn't they?

Quoting: Anonymous Coward 23651594

no. any gases released would burn immediately before they had a chance to collect into any explosive concentrations. (as a consequence the coal is justslowly, relentlessly and never-endingly just smoldering)

Quoting: Anonymous Coward 25122258

note: there is only enough free oxygen down in there to support "smoldering".

Quoting: Anonymous Coward 25122258

Have you ever seen this?

Doorway to HellThe Derweze area is rich in natural gas. While drilling in 1971, Soviet geologists tapped into a cavern filled with natural gas.[1] The ground beneath the drilling rig collapsed, leaving a large hole with a diameter of 70 metres (230 ft) at 40°15&#8242;10&#8243;N 58°26&#8242;22&#8243;E&#65279; / &#65279;40.25264°N 58.43941°E&#65279; / 40.25264; 58.43941&#65279; (The Gates of Hell). To avoid poisonous gas discharge, it was decided the best solution was burn it off.[2] Geologists had hoped the fire would use all the fuel in a matter of days, but the gas is still burning today. Locals have dubbed the cavern "The Door to Hell"....